Sage, Rosemary, and Time
Adult; Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror; (Create)
In 1976 as a gifted pianist with a scholarship awaiting her at the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music, Rosemary Scott’s future seemed bright. However, her world is shattered when her brother is drafted into the Vietnam War and her mother receives a devastating cancer diagnosis. Forced to abandon her aspirations and care for her ailing mother, Rosemary's world becomes a blur of responsibilities and sacrifices.
While running an errand, Rosemary stumbles upon a mysterious bookshop that transports her to the year 1764. In this unfamiliar world, she narrowly escapes a carriage accident and finds refuge with the dashing Leo Abernathy.
Amidst political tensions and personal struggles, Rosemary finds herself torn between her affection for Leo and the responsibilities awaiting her in her own time. Yet, when the owner of the magical bookshop presents Rosemary with a choice, she must confront the ultimate decision. Will she forsake everything she knows and remain in 1764, or will she summon the strength to return to her own time, prioritizing her family above all else?
Plot/Idea: 8 out of 10
Originality: 8 out of 10
Prose: 9 out of 10
Character/Execution: 8 out of 10
Overall: 8.25 out of 10
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme is a charming, entertaining narrative that centers on Rosemary, a pianist living in 1976. The novel takes an unexpected turn when Rosemary is thrust back in time to the 1700s. With its many appealing qualities, readers may wish the book provided more space for plot lines and relationships to fully form.
Prose: The prose nicely propels the plot forward, and is often poetically descriptive.
Originality: Sage, Rosemary, and Time indulges in some well-loved tropes, but does so without coming across as tired or derivative.
Character/Execution: Though Rosemary is a finely established character, the novel's affords less opportunity for other individuals (besides Leo) to come alive. Refreshingly, the other female characters Rosemary meets during her voyage are friendly, not scheming rivals for Leo's attention.
Blurb: When life presents Rosemary with some unforeseen struggles, a perfect escape is presented to her in the shape of a magical bookshop that transports her back in time to Georgian England, where she finds purpose and love.
Date Submitted: August 31, 2023
